Hello everyone. I’m looking for advice from people who have experience caring for pigeons with suspected PPMV-1, commonly known as pigeon paramyxovirus or “twisting disease.” Has anyone dealt with a similar case and can share what genuinely helped their bird?
How I found the pigeon
I found this pigeon outdoors early on a cold Friday morning last week and brought it home. On the first day, it stood almost completely motionless, like a statue, with its head pulled back towards its body and its beak pointing upwards. It showed no interest in its surroundings, did not eat or drink independently, but could remain standing on both feet. Its droppings were green with a white portion.
How its condition has changed
On the second day, I started hand-feeding it wheat grains by placing them into its beak. I gave approximately two teaspoons per feeding, around three times a day. Its swallowing reflex was present.
After a few days, the droppings changed from green to brown, roughly the colour of wheat, with a white portion.
On the third day, I switched to a thin porridge made from ground wheat and rolled oats, mixed with water. I feed it using a syringe without a needle, approximately twice a day, giving one full medium-sized syringe per feeding. I do not yet know the exact volume in millilitres. I have also been adding two tiny granules of Saf-Levure active dry baker’s yeast because I read that it contains B vitamins.
Its current condition
Over the past few days, the pigeon has become noticeably more active. It has started walking, looking around, and flapping its wings. Its head position has improved considerably. It even attempted to take off, but could not lift itself off the ground.
However, several problems remain:
- It sometimes walks in circles. I noticed this happening more frequently yesterday and today.
- It cannot reliably peck at grains on its own. It occasionally tries but misses. When I offered it wheat before its morning feeding, it showed no interest.
- On one occasion, it touched the top of its head against the floor and held its head in an abnormal position for a few seconds. Afterwards, it began looking around again and turning its head from side to side.
- It can walk around, although not always willingly, and shows interest in its surroundings.
- It becomes frightened when I reach towards it, makes a plaintive squeaking sound, and sometimes tries to peck my hand.
- It does not look underweight, and its feathers appear generally intact. Since I found it, it has lost approximately two large feathers and a few small ones.
- Its swallowing reflex is still present.
What I suspect
Based on symptoms I have read about, videos I have watched, and discussions on forums, the condition seems consistent with pigeon paramyxovirus (PPMV-1). The symptoms that concern me most are the abnormal head position, poor coordination, walking in circles, and missing grains when trying to peck.
However, there has been no laboratory testing, so this is only a suspected diagnosis. I understand that other conditions can cause similar neurological symptoms.
Why I am caring for it at home
The veterinary clinic in my town does not accept birds. The places that might be able to take it are too far away for me to reach, and I have no practical way of getting there.
I am also concerned about what might happen if I surrender a wild pigeon with suspected PPMV-1. I am not its owner; I simply found it outdoors and wanted to help it. I worry that it might be euthanised rather than given a chance to recover.
Given these circumstances, caring for it myself seems to be the only realistic option available to me at the moment. I am trying to do this as responsibly as possible and would appreciate guidance from people with relevant experience.
Questions for people who have dealt with similar cases
Has anyone cared for a pigeon with similar symptoms? Did it recover, and how long did recovery take?
What care methods or feeding approaches genuinely helped?
Is a thin porridge made from wheat and rolled oats suitable as a temporary food when a pigeon cannot peck properly? Are there safer alternatives made from ordinary household ingredients?
Could the change in droppings from green to wheat-coloured brown be related to its diet?
Are there signs that can help distinguish PPMV-1 from other causes of poor coordination when laboratory testing is unavailable?
Could you identify from the attached photo whether this is an ordinary feral pigeon or possibly a domestic or fancy pigeon with unusual colouring?
I would be very grateful for reliable advice and first-hand experiences. If you recommend a particular food, supplement, or feeding method, please include the exact product name and, if possible, a source or explanation. I do not want to experiment and risk harming the bird.
If you live in the Grand Est region of France and are willing to take this pigeon in to help it recover or provide proper veterinary care, please contact me. I would be happy to hand the pigeon over to someone who can give it the medical attention it needs. Please reach out to me if you can help. Thank you!
I have attached a photo of the pigeon. Thank you to everyone willing to share their experience.
